Leaked internal communications from May and June 2024 between Hamas officials in Gaza and Qatar suggest that Israeli military pressure played a key role in Hamas softening its demands. Hamas officials in Gaza have cited the widespread destruction in the territory and heavy losses among their fighters as reasons to pursue a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. Interestingly, the messages suggest that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ leader in Gaza, either isn’t fully aware of the toll of the war or hasn’t fully communicated it to officials outside Gaza. This suggests that in addition to militarily weakening Hamas, the Israeli military offensive can bring about political achievements. If Sinwar isn’t truly aware, perhaps we’ll see progress when he fully realizes the extent of the damage (assuming the IDF doesn’t get to him first). It seems clear that the military pressure is working. I personally think Hamas’ loosening of terms might also be due to the fact that after the US Presidential debate it now sees a high chance of Donald Trump winning and knows he won’t press Israel as much as Biden does, but clearly military pressure is working as well.
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Leaked internal communications from May and June 2024 between Hamas officials in Gaza and Qatar suggest that Israeli military pressure played a key role in Hamas softening its demands. Hamas officials in Gaza have cited the widespread destruction in the territory and heavy losses among their fighters as reasons to pursue a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. Interestingly, the messages suggest that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ leader in Gaza, either isn’t fully aware of the toll of the war or hasn’t fully communicated it to officials outside Gaza. This suggests that in addition to militarily weakening Hamas, the Israeli military offensive can bring about political achievements. If Sinwar isn’t truly aware, perhaps we’ll see progress when he fully realizes the extent of the damage (assuming the IDF doesn’t get to him first). It seems clear that the military pressure is working. I personally think Hamas’ loosening of terms might also be due to the fact that after the US Presidential debate it now sees a high chance of Donald Trump winning and knows he won’t press Israel as much as Biden does, but clearly military pressure is working as well.